We are researchers from Towson University conducting research on the experiences and reactions of adoptees who have completed a commercial DNA test. If you choose to participate in this research, you will be asked to complete a brief survey, which should take approximately 15-20 minutes. During the survey, you will be asked to complete some basic demographic information as well as a brief response about your relationship to adoption. You will also be asked to respond to eight open-ended questions about your experiences and feelings as it relates to your commercial DNA testing experience.

There are minimal risks associated with your participation. Your participation is entirely voluntary. You are not obligated to respond to any questions that you are uncomfortable answering. You may also withdraw from the study at any time without incurring any penalties. If you decide to participate in the survey, you will not be asked to provide any information that would allow anyone to identify you. Your responses to this survey will remain completely anonymous.

Completion of this survey signifies your voluntary consent to participate in this research and that you are at least 18 years of age. You may discontinue your participation in this study at any time by clicking "Exit this survey" in the upper-right-hand corner of the screen.

The Towson University Institutional Review Board has approved this study. If you have any questions regarding this research or its purposes, please contact the faculty advisor for this project, Dr. Paz Galupo, at pgalupo@towson.edu. If you have any questions pertaining to your rights as a participant, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Katz, Chairperson of the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Participants, at (410)704-3072.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

M. Paz GalupoJacqueline SitesTowson University

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By agreeing to participate in this study I acknowledge that:

1. I am at least 18 years of age 2. I have been adopted or have a parent who has been adopted 3. I have taken a commercial DNA test